It's Been HOW LONG???!

I went on Spring Break with my family, shortly after my last post.  Then, as soon as we were back, I hit the ground running and it has taken a while to slow down.  So, I guess I better do some catching up.  I had an opportunity to use a long-arm quilting machine... and quilted this to hang at the store.  It isn't bad for my first official quilt.  I would like to do some more.

 Then, there is this runner.  I took a quilt guild class for flying geese in 2010.  Then, last fall I pieced these three blocks together to make a runner.  I basted it soon after, and finally quilted it this month.  Last week I finished the binding while at a family reunion.  I am pleased with it, and will use it in the Spring.

 In April and May, I only had time to finish one quilt guild project...The Mystery Quilt.  I decided to do straight lines diagonally across the quilt.  This is a very time-consuming way to quilt!  I do like how it finished.

I have more to show later...and much more to work on.  I'll try to keep up here more frequently.  I've missed this, too.

More Store Samples - Bags!

Two new patterns came in the store last week, and I just had to make the samples.  The one on the left is a Scripture bag; the one on the right, a crayon bag.

They both have inside pockets as well.

They were pretty easy to make - only taking less than 2 hours each.  I think the next ones will go even quicker!  Plus, I got to work with this super cute Riley Blake fabric.

Keep on Sewing!

Mystery Solved & a Few Other Finishes

Our Quilt Guild did this quilt as a mystery.  I used "Summer's End" by Kansas Troubles.  I am thrilled with the result.  I don't think I want to add a border to it.  I hope to quilt it before May 10th. 

Then, I finished this quilt, using "Lilac Hill" fabric.  

Can you believe that quilt is only 16x20 inches.  It is called "Delectable Mountains" and it is from the Fat Quarter Quilting book by Lori Smith.

Next, I finished these place mats for Easter.  I wanted to use them to decorate the shelves of my kitchen hutch.  I may make enough to switch out frequently through the year. I did learn that next time I will quilt all over a sandwich made from 2 1/2-yard pieces, instead of cutting them to size first.  That way, I can quilt better without worrying about getting too close to the edge.  

And, finally, the second Chocolate inspired table topper.  

This one, I used a different back on, but the front is the same.  I had a difficult time with the inside corners, but it worked out okay.  

Here you can see some of the quilting.  I am very pleased!

Now I can add them to my list of finished projects.  Yahoo!!!

What are you sewing?

Another Fun Tool

I found another useful tool.  Sometimes I do have hand work to do, and would rather sit on the couch than in my sewing room.  So, I gather my equipment and head downstairs with this:

That's right...a breakfast tray.  Sometimes used for breakfast in bed.  Sometimes used for sick days.

But, this is the best use of all.  Handwork and keeping all my supplies together.

Do you have any favorite tools?  

Another Finish...

or two.

I finished these bags.  They are tote bags for shopping days.  I can fit a lot in these bags.

Then, I saw this chocolate fabric at work, and had to do something with it.  So, I adapted a charm-pack pattern, and used yardage instead.  Here you can see I used the chocolate on the back, too.

 I am using this quilt as a sample for my machine quilting class.  I hope it is eye-catching enough!

I had enough fabric for two of these, just had to use a different back on the other one.  It is still waiting for the binding to be finished.  All in good time!

Happy sewing!